Golf stretching apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus provides a golf stretching exercise which includes trunk rotation exercise, chest expansion exercise, lower body stretch exercise, golf swing simulation exercise, hamstring and calf muscle exercise and latisimus muscle exercise thereby reducing the risk of injury to the user as a result of the golf game. The exercise apparatus is mounted in a support frame which is portable and which includes an umbrella.

CROSS REFERENCES

Benefit is claimed from Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/840,964,filed Aug. 30, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed generally to the field of exerciseapparatus and more particularly, to a golf stretching apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While golf is generally considered to be a low-level physical activitywithout the possibility of injury, according to the American Academy ofOrthopedic Surgeons, there is a potential risk of golfers sufferingserious injuries to the elbow, spine, knee, hip or wrist while golfing.The United States Consumer Safety Commission's National ElectronicInjury Surveillance System estimates there were 38,038 golf-relatedinjuries in 2003. As a result, there is continued interest in the use ofexercise equipment to provide training and thereby reduce the incidenceof injury.

The prior art related to exercise equipment includes the following U.S.and foreign patents.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0009853A1 to Smith for a Device forPerforming Leg and Foot Stretching Exercises shows a vertical supporthaving handles at its upper portion and a plurality of leg supportmembers which are adjustably mounted on the vertical support. The legsupport members enable a user to perform leg and foot stretchingexercises while holding onto the handles.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,610 to Lin for a Chair With Swivel Seat and Backrestshows a chair having arm rests with the chair mounted on wheels. Theouter ends of the arm rest include handles which can be grasped by auser to rotate his or her torso relative to the floor.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. U.S. 2005/0065064A1 to Liso etal. shows an Exerciser Having Rotatable Seat Device shows a pair of footsupports which are rotatably mounted on a base and a seat which is alsorotatably mounted on the base. The foot supports are connected to theseat via cables to enable a user seated on the seat to perform rotationof the user's hips by direct leg action.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,184 B2 to King for a Swing Exerciser shows a devicewhich includes a handle and a flexible cord which moves a resistancetrolley in a generally vertical track. The device is intended to allow auser to swing the handle and overcome the resistance of the trolley tostrengthen muscles associated with hitting a golf ball.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,868 to Pryer, Jr., et al., for an Exercise Device,shows an apparatus which includes a horizontal seat rest and a supportmember which can be gripped either by the user's hands or legs. Theapparatus also includes a back support which is movable between a firstvertical position and a second position forming an acute angle with thevertical.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,002 to Rawls, et al. for an Exercise Apparatus showsa device for performing Kyak paddling exercises. The device includes aseat and a Kyak paddle-like handle which is connected to a series ofvertically mounted weights. The weights and a brake provide selectedresistance to movement of the paddle-like handle.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,871 to Douglas, et al., for an Energy Absorbing,Exercising and Training Machine shows a device which includes a pair ofvertical members which support a horizontally mounted flywheel. Theflywheel is rigidly connected to a harness and a user positioned in theharness transmits his or her motion to the flywheel thereby encounteringthe resistance to motion caused by the inertia of the flywheel.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,876 to Hickman for a Kyak Exercise Simulator shows adevice which includes a seat and a pivotally mounted rod. The rod may begrasped by a user to perform generally circular motions simulatingpaddling a Kyak.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,013 to Wolf for a Golf Exerciser, shows a devicewhich includes a base and an axial shaft coupled to the base. The axialshaft includes a resistance device which opposes the motion of a userduring the simulation of a golf swing.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,465 B2 to Hawthorne, for a Swing Training andExercising Apparatus, shows a device which includes a swing arm which isattached to a resistance device. The swing arm enables a user tosimulate a golf swing while being subjected to resisting forces.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0014571A1 to Varner for an Exercise andGolf, Baseball and Other Sport Training Apparatus, shows a device whichincludes a base platform, a vertical support, and a rotating swing arm.The rotating swing arm is connected to a grip and to a resistancedevice. The user can grasp the swing arm and perform a simulated golfswing by rotating the swing arm against the force of the resistancedevice.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D254,143, to deBock, for a Physical Exerciser,shows a device which includes a vertical framework which is directed tovertical stretching of the user's body.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,214 B2 to Crump, for a Golfing Exercise Machine,shows a device which includes a vertical frame which supports a seriesof pulleys and cables. The cables are connected to a stack of weightsand the resistance caused by the lifting of the weights is transferredby the cables to a hand-held bar for performing golf swing relatedexercises.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,502 B2 to Cluff, for a Muscle Training andDevelopment Device, shows an apparatus which includes rods which areconnected to one or more stretchable tubes. An attachment deviceconnects the stretchable tube to a stationary object that providesresistance and support. The degree of resistance may be altered byvarying the quantity of stretchable tubes.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,640,525, to Proctor, for a Frictional Resistant-TypeExercise Machine with Waist Level-Mounted Oscillatable Handgrips, showsan apparatus in which a vertical member supports a resistance elementand a handlebar which can be moved from a normally horizontal positionto a tilted position in order to perform oscillating motion type ofexercise.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,608 B1 to Hsu for a Swingable Exercise Device showsa base which supports a seat and a vertical rod. The vertical rodincludes a swinging unit on which a C-shaped handle is mounted. Whenforce is applied to the swinging unit resistance is encountered therebyproviding a swinging type of exercise.

German Patent No. DE 3718643A1 to Danisch, for a Training Device showsan apparatus in which a user places his/her foot in a vertical framewhich includes a resistance element. As the user's foot is lifted,resistance is encountered thereby providing a training exercise.

Despite the developments of the prior art, there still remains a needfor an effective apparatus for performing specific stretching exercisesrelated to golf. In particular, the prior art exercise machines aredesigned to build muscle strength and train muscles to improve theuser's golf game but are not designed to stretch specific muscles forthe purpose of avoiding injury resulting from the golf game.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a golfstretching apparatus which is capable of stretching, prior to golfing,specific muscles used while golfing thereby reducing the risk of injuryto the user as a result of the golf game.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf stretchingapparatus which provides effective trunk rotation exercise.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an effective chestexpansion exercise.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an effective lowerback stretch exercise.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf swingsimulation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide hamstring and calfmuscle exercise.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an effectivelatisimus and oblique muscle exercise.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf stretchingapparatus which is portable.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf stretchingapparatus which provides protection from the sun or rain.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf stretchingapparatus which is capable of reliable long-term operation.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a golfstretching apparatus which provides a method for accomplishing aneffective stretching exercise for the game of golf.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf stretchingapparatus which has individual exercise stations for the exercise ofspecific muscle groups.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a golfstretching apparatus which comprises a relatively small number ofcomponent parts each of which can be manufactured economically resultingin a relatively low overall cost.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the present inventionwill appear more clearly hereinafter.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a golfstretching apparatus containing equipment designed to stretch differentmuscles used while golfing.

The first area of the apparatus provides trunk rotation exercise. Theequipment in the first area consists of a stationary seat and rotatinghorseshoe apparatus which is grasped and rotated by the user from sideto side.

The trunk rotation exercise is designed to create differential (i.e.,differing degrees of rotation) between the axes of the hips andshoulders. Upper and lower abdominal muscles, rhomboid and latisimusmuscles, upper legs and hips are all stretched.

The trunk rotation exercise also allows golfers to make a full and fluidbackswing, getting their backs turned away from the target, while theirhips undergo a minimum of rotation. This action is the primary source ofpower in a golf swing, and allows players to deliver the clubhead downthe target line for an effective golf swing.

The second area of the apparatus provides chest expansion and lower bodystretch exercise. The equipment in the second area consists of anextended base at ground level, the vertical handles that rotate freely,and the horizontal bars across the frame. The user stands with his backfacing the machine, grasps the vertical handles, and simultaneouslyrotates both handles. The vertical handles are designed to “open up” thechest thereby promoting good athletic posture and combating “golfer'shunchback.” The exercise also helps to allow for effective rotation,back and through, and to retain proper posture throughout the golfswing.

The golfer can also attain an effective lower body stretch by standingand facing the apparatus and placing his leg on the horizontal bars onthis side to effectively stretch the gluteus maximus, quadriceps, andgroin muscles.

The apparatus also has a swing-simulating component. A golf club gripwhich is suspended from an elastic band is gripped and pulled by thegolfer thereby stretching the latisimus muscles on both sides of thebody. The benefits derived are a fuller turn back and turn throughduring the swing, more fluid action with an easier tempo, andultimately, more power and greater distance.

The third area of the apparatus provides a hamstring and calf exercise.The third area includes a pull-down cable with a foot hammock at the endand stationary foot pedals that assists with maximum calf stretch.

The golfer places his foot in the foot hammock and pulls down on thepull-down cable, thereby raising his leg. The exercise is intended toprovide a maximum stretch to the hamstring muscles of both legs. Inaddition to promoting spinal health by relieving pressure on the lowerback, this allows golfers to retain an athletic flexion and balance inthe lower body while the upper body turns back and through during thegolf swing. This leads directly to the proper sequencing of the forwardgolf swing, thereby reducing the risk of injury as a result of the golfgame.

The fourth area provides latisimus and oblique stretching exercise. Theequipment in the fourth area consists of a free-spinning turnkeyapparatus shaped like a vertical “T-bar” that has hand holds on eitherside. The golfer grasps the hand holds on each side of the “T-bar” androtates it from side to side.

This exercise is designed to promote length and full extension in thethick muscles of the trunk and torso. Additionally, the shoulders, upperarms, forearms and hands get an excellent stretch.

These ranges of motion promote a fluid swing with an easier rhythm,maximum swing arc, as well as creating the maximum available “lag” inthe pre-impact position.

The various portions of the apparatus in combination provide aneffective stretching of the various muscles used in golf including upperand lower abdominal muscles, rhomboid and latisimus muscles, upper legmuscles, hip muscles, chest muscles, lower body muscles, obliquemuscles, trunk muscles, shoulder muscles, upper arm muscles and handmuscles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other important objects and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom the following detailed description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a golf stretching apparatusmade according to the present invention with selected items removed forclarity of illustration;

FIG. 2 is a front fragmentary elevation view taken along the line 2-2 ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary top plan view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG.2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side elevation view partially in section takenalong the line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary plan view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevation view partially in section taken alongthe line 6-6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary schematic view of the apparatus taken generallyalong the line 7-7 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view taken along the line 8-8 ofFIG. 1 showing the trunk rotation assembly in use with a user shown inbroken lines;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view taken along the line 8-8 ofFIG. 1 similar to FIG. 8-8 showing the assembly in use;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIGS. 8 and 9showing the assembly in use;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary elevation view taken generally along the line6-6 of FIG. 1 showing the chest expansion exercise assembly in use;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view taken along the line 12-12 ofFIG. 1 showing the horizontal bars of the apparatus in use;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 13 showing theapparatus in use;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary perspective view taken along the line 14-14 ofFIG. 1 showing the apparatus in use;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 14 showing theapparatus in use;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 14 showing theapparatus in use and showing an alternate exercise position;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 16 showing theapparatus in use;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 16 showing theapparatus in continued use;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary perspective view of the hamstring and calfmuscle exercise assembly of FIG. 7 in use;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 19 showing theapparatus in use; and

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary perspective view of the apparatus in use duringa golf swing exercise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a golfstretching apparatus 10 made in accordance with the present inventionwhich includes a support frame 12.

The support frame 12 includes a base 14 which includes a pair of spacedapart generally parallel base members 16, 18 which are connected by anend transverse member 20 and an intermediate transverse member 22.

A pair of angularly disposed members 24, 26 project from the member 18.The angularly disposed members 24, 26 converge forming the generalconfiguration of a truncated triangle. The outer ends 28, 30 of theangular disposed members 24, 26 are connected by a plate 32.

Wheels 34, 36 are mounted on the ends 38, 40 of the base members 16, 18to facilitate transportation of the apparatus 10.

In accordance with the present invention, the following exerciseassemblies are mounted on the support frame 12 as will be describedpresently:

A trunk rotation exercise assembly 100, a chest expansion exerciseassembly 200, a lower body exercise assembly 300, a golf swingsimulation assembly 400, a hamstring and calf muscle exerciser assembly500, and a latisimus and oblique muscle stretching assembly 600.

The trunk rotation exercise assembly 100 includes a vertical shaft 102which projects upwardly from the plate 31. As is best shown in FIG. 2, asupport collar 104 is mounted on the shaft 102 and the position of thesupport collar 104 on the shaft 102 is secured by a set screw 106. Apivot sleeve 108 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 102 with the pivotsleeve 108 resting on the support collar 104. A generally circular seat110 is centrally mounted on the upper end 112 of the vertical shaft 102.

A horizontal member 114 projects from the pivot sleeve 109 and the end116 of the horizontal member 114 is connected to a vertical member 118.The upper end 120 of the vertical member 118 is connected to a generallyU-shaped or horseshoe-shaped member 120. The ends 122, 124 of the armrest portions 126, 128 of the U-shaped member 120 include verticalhandles 130, 132.

The U-shaped member 120 rotates about the vertical shaft 102 and theaxis of rotation of the U-shaped member 120 is in general alignment withthe vertical shaft 102 and the seat 110 thereby providing a key featureof the trunk rotation exercise assembly 100.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, rotation of the trunk rotationassembly 100 in the directions shown by the arrows 136, 138 in FIG. 3creates differential or differing degrees of rotation between the axesof the hips and shoulders of the user. The upper and lower abdominalmuscles, rhomboid and latisimus muscles are stretched. In addition, theupper legs and hips are also stretched. This allows golfers to achieve afull and fluid backswing with the golfers getting their back turned awayfrom the target while their hips remain quiet with a minimum ofrotation. This mode of rotation is the primary source of power in a golfswing and allows a golfer to move the clubhead down along the targetline for an effective golf swing.

The angular members 24, 26 allow the user's feet to rest on the groundin a convenient manner while using the apparatus 10.

FIGS. 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10 show the process for using the trunk rotationassembly 100 which includes the steps of:

-   -   sitting on the seat 110;    -   grasping the handles 130, 132, one with each hand; and    -   rotating the user's trunk while grasping the handles 130, 132        thereby maintaining the user's arms and hands in a horizontal        plane and rotating the user's trunk about an imaginary axis        which lies along the vertical shaft 102 and which passes        generally through the center of the seat 110.

The apparatus 10 includes the chest expansion exercise assembly 200 anda lower body stretch exercise 300 assembly. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6,the chest expansion exercise assembly 200 includes a pair or verticalhandles 202, 204 which are rotationally mounted one each on shafts 206,208 which are connected to the vertical members 42, 44. As is best shownin FIG. 6, the handles 202, 204 are of extended length and havehorizontal end portions 210, 212, 214, 216 which are connected to thevertical sleeves 218, 220 which are mounted on the shafts 206, 208. Theshafts 206, 208 are connected to the vertical members by plates 222,224, 226, 228.

FIG. 11 shows the process for using the chest expansion exerciseassembly 200 which includes the steps of:

-   -   grasping the vertical handles 202, 204 with the hands and        rotating the handles 202, 204 outwardly in the direction shown        by the arrows 230, 232 in FIG. 112 and then rotating the handles        202, 204 inwardly in the directions shown by the arrows 234, 236        in FIG. 11.

The apparatus 20 also includes a pair of generally parallel horizontalbars 302, 304 which are connected between the vertical members 42, 44and which form part of the lower body stretch apparatus 300. The basemember portions 306, 308 extend beyond the vertical members 42, 44 andtogether with the transverse member 20 serve to define an area 312 inwhich the user places his or her feet when using the assembly 300.

FIGS. 12, 13 show the use of the lower body stretch apparatus 300. Theuser grasps the horizontal bar 302 and performs the lower body stretch.

The golf swing exercise assembly 400 is best shown in FIGS. 1 and 21 andincludes a handle 402 which simulates the grip portion of a conventionalgolf club. The upper end 404 of the handle 402 is connected to afilament 406 which in turn is connected to a tension spring 408. Thespring is connected to the support frame 12 via the member 54. The golfswing exercise assembly 400 enables a user to simulate the action of agolf swing without the need for an actual golf club.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 7, 19 and 20 and shown substantially in FIG. 2, thehamstring and calf muscle exercise assembly 500 includes a horizontalhandle 504 which includes vertical portions 506, 508. The ends 510, 512of the vertical portions 506, 508 are connected to bearings 514, 516each of which rides on a pair of first vertical shafts 518, 520. Thefirst vertical shafts 518, 520 project upwardly from member 16 of thesupport frame 12.

A second pair of vertical shafts 522, 524 is provided with the secondpair of vertical shafts 522, 524 disposed proximate one each to thefirst vertical shaft 518, 520. Bearings 526, 528 ride, one each, on theshafts 522, 524 and are connected to and portions 530, 532 of the bar534 which functions as a foot hammock foot rest in a manner which willbe presently described.

The bearings 526, 528 are connected to cables 544, 546. The cables 544,546 run over pulleys 552, 554 and have ends 556, 558 connected to thebearings 514, 516 respectively. The pulleys 552, 554 are supported bysupport members 560, 562. Pushing downwardly on the handle 504 causesthe cables 544, 546 to lift the bar 534. Pushing downwardly on the bar534 lifts the handle 504.

The downward direction is indicated by the arrow 564 in FIG. 7 while theupward direction is indicated by the arrow 566.

The process for stretching the hamstring muscles is shown in FIGS. 19and 20 and includes the steps of:

-   -   pushing downwardly on the handle 504 while one foot is supported        by the bar 534 with downward force on the handle 504 lifting the        bar 534 and thereby stretching the hamstring muscles;    -   lowering the foot thereby raising the handle 504; and    -   repeating the above steps with the other foot supported by the        bar 534.

As is shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 during use, the apparatus 500 provides amaximum stretch for the hamstring muscles of both legs in addition topromoting spinal health of the user by relieving pressure on the lowerback thereby allowing golfers to retain an athletic flexion and balancein the lower body while the golfer's upper body turns back and throughthe golf swing. The apparatus 10 thus results in the proper sequencingof the forward golf swing.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18, the latisimus and obliquemuscle stretching exercise assembly 600 is mounted on a transversemember 604 which is connected to vertical members 46 and 48. Theassembly 600 includes a vertical shaft 606 which is adjustably mountedin housing 608. The vertical position of the shaft 606 relative to thehousing 608 may be adjusted using the setscrew 610. The upper end 612 ofthe shaft 606 is connected to the horizontal tube 614. A horizontalshaft 618 is rotationally mounted in the tube 614 and is retained bycollars 620, 622. An elongated handle 624 is connected to the end 626 ofthe horizontal shaft 618. Block 626 forms a part of the connectionbetween the housing 608 and the transverse member 604.

As shown in FIGS. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, the apparatus 600 promotes lengthand full extension in the relatively thick muscles of the user's trunkand torso which include the latisimus, rhomboid, upper and lower obliqueabdominal and spinal erector muscles. In addition, the apparatus 600provides an effective stretch for the shoulders, upper arms, forearmsand hands.

The apparatus 600 thus improves the user's range of motion and promotesa fluid golf swing with an easier rhythm with maximum swing arc as wellas creating the maximum available lag in the pre-impact position.

FIGS. 1 and 15 show a process for using the apparatus 600 which includesthe steps of:

-   -   standing proximate to the rotationally mounted elongated handle        624;    -   grasping the first end 636 of the handle 624 with the right        hand;    -   grasping the second end 638 of the handle 624 with the right        hand; and    -   rotating the handle 624 first in the directions shown by the        arrows 620 and then in the direction shown by the arrows 642.

FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 show another process for using the apparatus 600which includes the steps of:

-   -   placing the user's forearms one above the other on the        rotationally mounted elongated handle 624; and    -   rotating the handle 624 first in the direction shown by the        arrows 628, 630 and then in the directions shown by the arrows        632, 634 as is shown in FIG. 16.

The various portions of the apparatus in combination provide aneffective stretching of the various muscles used in golf including upperand lower abdominal muscles, rhomboid and latismus muscles, upper legmuscles, hip muscles, chest muscles, lower body muscles, obliquemuscles, trunk muscles, shoulder muscles, upper arm muscles and handmuscles.

The foregoing specific embodiment of the present invention as set forthin the specification herein is for illustrative purposes only. Variousdeviations and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope ofthis invention, without departing from a main theme thereof.

1. A golf stretching apparatus comprising a support frame and trunkrotation exercise means with said trunk rotation exercise means mountedon said support frame.
 2. A golf stretching apparatus as claimed inclaim 1 wherein said trunk rotation exercise means comprises: a member,with said support member mounted on said frame; a seat, with said seatmounted on said support member; arm rest means, with said arm rest meansrotationally mounted on said support member and connected to said seatfor rotation in a horizontal plane relative to said support member.
 3. Agolf stretching apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said arm restmeans comprises: a pair of elongated, spaced apart arm rest portions,each having a first end portion and a second end portion, and aconnecting portion with said connecting portion connecting said firstend portions of said arm rest portions, with said connecting portionrotationally mounted on said support member.
 4. A golf stretchingapparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a pair of handleportions mounted, one each, on said second ends of said arm restportions.
 5. A golf stretching apparatus as claimed in claim 3 whereinsaid rotational mounting of said connecting portion is in generallyvertical alignment with said seat.
 6. A method of performing a trunkrotation exercise comprising the steps of: sitting on a seat; grasping,one with each hand, a pair of handles rotationally mounted on a framefor rotation in a generally horizontal plane; rotating the trunk in afirst direction while grasping said handles and maintaining the arms andhands in a generally horizontal plane; rotating the trunk in a seconddirection while grasping said handles and maintaining the arms in agenerally horizontal plane; placing the forearms one above the other ona bar which is pivotally mounted for rotation in a generally verticalplane with the left elbow first rotated in a generally downwarddirection than in a generally upward direction followed by the rightelbow rotated in a generally downward direction than in a generallyupward direction; standing proximate to a rotationally mounted barhaving a left end and a right end and grasping the left end of the barwith the right hand and simultaneously grasping the right end of the barwith the right hand; rotating the right hand in a vertically downwarddirection while rotating the left hand in a generally upward direction,and then rotating the right hand in a generally upward direction whilerotating the left hand in a generally downward direction; standingbetween a pair of vertical bars with each bar mounted on a frame forrotation in a generally horizontal plane; grasping said vertical bars,one each, with the hands, and rotating said vertical bars by maintainingsaid grasp and simultaneously rotating said bars in opposite rotationaldirections outwardly relative to the torso and inwardly relative to thetorso; and pushing in a downward direction on a handle connected by acable to a bar; resting a user's foot on said bar whereby continueddownward force on said handle raises said bar thereby raising saiduser's foot and stretching the hamstring muscles.
 7. A golf stretchingapparatus comprising: a support frame; trunk rotation exercise meansdisposed on said support frame; latisimus and oblique muscle stretchingmeans disposed on said support frame; hamstring and calf musclestretching means disposed on said support frame; chest expansionexercise means disposed on said support frame; horizontal bar exercisemeans disposed on said support frame; and golf swing exercise meansdisposed on said support frame.
 8. A method for performing a golfstretching exercise comprising the steps of: sitting on a seat;grasping, one with each hand, a pair of handles rotationally mounted ona frame for rotation in a generally horizontal plane; rotating the trunkin a first direction while grasping said handles and maintaining thearms and hands in a generally horizontal plane; rotating the trunk in asecond direction while grasping said handles and maintaining the arms ina generally horizontal plane; placing the forearms one above the otheron a bar which is pivotally mounted for rotation in a generally verticalplane with the left elbow first rotated in a generally downwarddirection than in a generally upward direction followed by the rightelbow rotated in a generally downward direction than in a generallyupward direction; standing proximate to a rotationally mounted barhaving a left end and a right end and grasping the left end of the barwith the right hand and simultaneously grasping the right end of the barwith the right hand; rotating the right hand in a vertically downwarddirection while rotating the left hand in a generally upward direction,and then rotating the right hand in a generally upward direction whilerotating the left hand in a generally downward direction; standingbetween a pair of vertical bars with each bar mounted on a frame forrotation in a generally horizontal plane; grasping said vertical bars,one each, with the hands, and rotating said vertical bars by maintainingsaid grasp and simultaneously rotating said bars in opposite rotationaldirections outwardly relative to the torso and inwardly relative to thetorso; and pushing in a downward direction on a handle connected by acable to a bar; resting a user's foot on said bar whereby continueddownward force on said handle raises said bar thereby raising saiduser's foot and stretching the hamstring muscles.